I recently landed in Canada, came back to my job in Qatar. I sent applications on workopolis, monster.ca, through other websites where Canadian jobs were advertised and I got 1 response via email, and it was in Calgary while I had indicated an interest in Toronto and it only said to get in contact with them when I got to Toronto.
I also contacted Hays and Robert Half representatives. One emailed me and said my chances were slim and I will most likely not be considered and the other one I called directly told me the same. These recruitment agencies work on the basis of what requirements are supplied by the employers and sometimes it's too difficult to recruit from abroad (it takes too long, don't know what costs are involved, employers need the person earlier and are generally hesitant to consider candidates abroad). They prefer to look for persons who are present in Canada. However, the next hurdle is the fact that you don't have Canadian experience which also presents another challenge whether you are applying from outside of Canada or are present in Canada.
I am an ACCA, CGA, MBA, + other diplomas etc, have 18+ years experience in Finance, Audit etc. but face real challenges in getting a job.
My point is that 1. it may be very difficult to obtain a job when you're outside of Canada and 2. even if you're in Canada you must have some sort of "Canadian experience".
Hope this helps some.
Anand.
